In-N-Out Burgerhttp://www.businessinsider.com/category/in-n-out-burger
en-usMon, 19 Mar 2018 23:20:29 -0400Mon, 19 Mar 2018 23:20:29 -0400The latest news on In-N-Out Burger from Business Insiderhttp://static3.businessinsider.com/assets/images/bilogo-250x36-wide-rev.pngBusiness Insiderhttp://www.businessinsider.com
http://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-employee-pay-2018-1In-N-Out employees can work their way up to $160,000 a year with no degree or previous experiencehttp://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-employee-pay-2018-1
Mon, 22 Jan 2018 13:41:00 -0500Melia Robinson
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5a662a4d00d0efa7028b4758-1986/in-n-out-employee-pay.jpg" alt="in n out employee pay" data-mce-source="Adam Lau/AP" data-mce-caption="A customer receives her burger and fries from the drive-thru at In-N-Out Burger on Friday, June 11, 2010, in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles." /></p><p></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>In-N-Out Burger pays its employees really well.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Store managers earn an average yearly salary of more than $160,000, more than what the typical tech worker in Silicon Valley makes for the year.</strong></li>
<li><strong>High wages for fast-food workers can lead to increased productivity, less employee turnover, and bigger profits in the long run.</strong></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>There's a secret sauce to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/category/in-n-out">In-N-Out Burger's</a> success. It pays employees really well.</p>
<p>The West Coast burger sensation pays store managers an average yearly salary of more than $160,000, which is about triple the <a href="https://www.indeed.com/salaries/Restaurant-Manager-Salaries,-California">industry average</a>, according to the <a href="http://mailchi.mp/54b2313de2f1/marches-everywhere-and-in-n-outs-crazy-good-wages?e=4e8659adc5">latest California Sun newsletter</a>. There is no college degree or <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/in-and-out-employee-pay-2013-2">previous management experience required</a>.</p>
<p>To put this into perspective, tech workers in Silicon Valley earn on average $114,654 for the year, according to a survey from hiring platform <a href="https://venturebeat.com/2018/01/22/2017-tech-salaries-silicon-valley-slowed-philadelphia-had-highest-yoy-growth/">Dice</a>.</p>
<p>"In-N-Out is just eons above everybody else," <a href="http://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/author/saru-jayaraman/page/3/">Saru Jayaraman</a>, an advocate for restaurant workers in the Bay Area and director of the Food Labor Research Center at UC Berkeley, told California Sun's <a href="https://www.californiasun.co/about.html">Mike McPhate</a>. "On wages and benefits, they really are the best large chain."</p>
<p><span>Employees start at a higher-than-average salary of at least $13 an hour and have the opportunity to advance to six figures as a store manager. A typical <a href="https://www.indeed.com/salaries/architect-Salaries,-California">architect</a> in California makes about $112,000 a year, while a <a href="https://www.indeed.com/salaries/lawyer-Salaries,-California">lawyer</a> rakes in $117,000, according to jobs site Indeed.</span></p>
<p><span><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5a53d5833225deb4198b4e99-1777/in-n-out-hot-cocoa-review-2870.jpg" alt="in n out hot burger" data-mce-source="Melia Robinson/Business Insider" /></span></p>
<p><span>The burger chain offers benefits including 401(k) plans, paid vacation, and dental and vision coverage for <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/employment/benefits_part_store.aspx">part-</a> and <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/employment/benefits_Full_Store.aspx">full-time</a> employees &mdash; a rarefied package in the fast-food industry. In a Glassdoor ranking of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-best-fast-fast-food-chain-to-work-at-2017-12">best places to work in 2018</a>, In-N-Out earned the No. 4 spot and beat out tech giants like Google and Microsoft. It was the only restaurant chain in the top 50.</span></p>
<p><span>Denny Warnick, vice president of operations at In-N-Out, told California Sun that paying employees well has always been part of the company culture.</span></p>
<p><span> In 1948, Harry and Esther Snyder opened the first In-N-Out in a Los Angeles suburb with quality service as a central focus.&nbsp;</span><span>"Paying their associates well was just one way to help maintain that focus, and those beliefs remain firmly in place with us today," Warnick told California Sun.</span></p>
<p>It's not an act of charity, according to Jayaraman. <a href="http://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/shelved-how-wages-and-working-conditions-for-californias-food-retail-workers-have-declined-as-the-industry-has-thrived/">Her research</a> shows that paying employees well leads to better productivity, less employee turnover, and bigger profits.</p>
<p>In-N-Out is growing. The burger chain recently announced it's <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-expands-to-colorado-2017-11">opening a distribution center in Colorado</a>, which could allow it to expand beyond the West Coast. All stores <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-in-n-out-burger-wont-expand-east-2015-4">must be located</a> close to these hubs because of the company's strict policy of serving food fresh, not frozen.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/review-in-n-out-versus-five-guys-showdown-2018-1" >We put In-N-Out and Five Guys to the test in a battle of the burger chains — and the winner surprised us</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-employee-pay-2018-1#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/rise-and-fall-of-hooters-airline-myrtle-beach-bob-brooks-atlanta-airplanes-2018-2">The rise and fall of Hooters Air — the airline that lost the 'breastaurant' $40 million</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/best-fast-food-chains-to-work-for-in-2018-2017-12Fast food chains like In-N-Out are quickly becoming jobs people want to havehttp://www.businessinsider.com/best-fast-food-chains-to-work-for-in-2018-2017-12
Thu, 14 Dec 2017 16:32:00 -0500Rachel Gillett
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5a2834713dbef482008ba649-1732/in-n-out employee.jpg" alt="In N Out employee" data-mce-source="Tommaso Boddi/Getty" /></p><p>Fast food joints have a bad reputation as places to work &mdash; they pay next to nothing, offer virtually no perks or benefits, and are just soulless corporations looking to squeeze every last dime out of their workers, right?</p>
<p>Well, try telling that to Lynsi Snyder, the owner and president of In-N-Out, which is considered by employees to be&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-places-to-work-2018-2017-12/#4-in-n-out-burger-47">the No. 4 best place to work in the US</a>.</p>
<p><span>"My hope is that anyone who spends time as an In-N-Out associate finds the experience valuable &mdash; an opportunity to learn and grow, and to have fun," <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/heiress-to-in-n-out-opens-up-about-how-she-made-great-place-work-2017-12">Snyder told Glassdoor</a>.</span></p>
<p>Glassdoor recently released its <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Award/Best-Places-to-Work-LST_KQ0,19.htm">Best Places to Work in 2018 list</a>, which featured <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/heiress-to-in-n-out-opens-up-about-how-she-made-great-place-work-2017-12">In-N-Out Burger</a>, Chick-fil-A,&nbsp;and Starbucks among the top 100.</p>
<p>But thousands of companies across many industries are considered for that list, so we asked Glassdoor for additional data on fast-food companies that were just outside the top 100.</p>
<p>Here's what they found, using <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-places-to-work-2018-2017-12">their Best Places to Work methodology</a>, to identify the best fast-food chains to work for:</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-places-to-work-2018-2017-12" >The 50 best places to work in 2018, according to employees</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>DON'T MISS:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/heiress-to-in-n-out-opens-up-about-how-she-made-great-place-work-2017-12" >The reclusive In-N-Out heiress opens up about how she made a fast-food chain one of America's best places to work</a></strong></p>
<h3>6. Culver's</h3>
<img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5a3188a74aa6b5b51a8b48b3-400-300/6-culvers.jpg" alt="" />
<p><p><span><strong>Company rating:&nbsp;</strong>4.0</span></p>
<p><span>Culver's is a regional, privately-owned and -operated fast-food chain that operates primarily in the Midwest and is known for their ButterBurgers, Fresh Frozen Custard, and Wisconsin Cheese Curds.</span></p>
<p><span>"</span>Most managers make an effort to be considerate and thoughtful, and the company chain as a whole keeps you updated as to how it is doing. My location had a friendly work environment and a serious attitude towards customer service." &mdash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Culver-s-Reviews-E15892.htm">Team member</a> in Eau Claire, Wisconsin</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p></p>
<br/><br/><h3>5. Whataburger</h3>
<img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5a318acb4aa6b51d008b4b64-400-300/5-whataburger.jpg" alt="" />
<p><p><span><strong>Company rating:&nbsp;</strong>4.0</span></p>
<p><span>Whataburger is a regional,&nbsp;family-owned hamburger chain with nearly 700 outlets in Texas and about 10 other states in the South and Southwest.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span>"The atmosphere is very positive. Whataburger believes when you start working for their company you are like family. It really shows they care for their employees as well as their customers. It's a great place to be in general, plus they have great food." &mdash; <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Whataburger-Reviews-E3438.htm">Whataburger team member</a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p></p>
<br/><br/><h3>4. Raising Cane's</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5a318da8b0bcd58c028b4bd5-400-300/4-raising-canes.jpg" alt="" />
<p><p><span><strong>Company rating:&nbsp;</strong>4.1</span></p>
<p><span>Based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Raising Cane's is a fast-food chain with more than 300 restaurants in 22 states serving up chicken finger meals.</span></p>
<p><span>"</span>Good pay and benefits, and they're closed all major holidays. Opportunities for growth. The restaurant is fun, not like other places I have worked." &mdash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Raising-Cane-s-Reviews-E134590.htm">Shift Manager</a> in Houston, Texas</p></p>
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-fast-food-chains-to-work-for-in-2018-2017-12#/#3-starbucks-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/best-places-to-work-2018-2017-12The 50 best places to work in 2018, according to employeeshttp://www.businessinsider.com/best-places-to-work-2018-2017-12
Wed, 06 Dec 2017 08:51:00 -0500Rachel Gillett
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/5a2739e6f914c35e018b8216-1707/happy facebook employees jumping.jpg" alt="Happy Facebook employees jumping" data-mce-source="Glassdoor/Facebook" /></p><p>Time for a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/signs-you-should-quit-your-job-2017-7">new job</a>?</p>
<p>If the coming change in calendar year has you itching to do something different, jobs and recruiting site Glassdoor has you covered with <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Award/Best-Places-to-Work-LST_KQ0,19.htm">this year's Employees' Choice Awards</a>, which features the 100 best places to work in 2018 across the US.</p>
<p>To find the companies with the most satisfied workers, Glassdoor scanned its massive database of company reviews and ratings from current and former employees.</p>
<p>Reviews include employees' opinions on some of the best reasons to work for their employer, any downsides, advice to management, and whether they'd recommend their employer to a friend, as well as ratings on how satisfied they are with their employer overall, their CEO, and key workplace attributes like career opportunities, compensation and benefits, culture, and values.</p>
<p>Based on employees' reviews, companies received overall ratings on a scale of one to five, with five representing the most satisfied employees. (While Glassdoor's calculations extend beyond the thousandth to determine final rank order, ratings displayed are limited to one decimal space.)</p>
<p>Though tech companies are renowned for their employee perks and compensation, companies from all kinds of industries &mdash; from retail to healthcare to finance and more &mdash; are beloved by their employees.</p>
<p>"It's encouraging to see non-tech employers rank so highly on the list because it shows people that all industries have companies that are best places to work and are also progressive and forward-looking when it comes to how they approach the employee experience," Glassdoor CEO cofounder Robert Hohman told Business Insider.</p>
<p>"This includes offering some great benefits and perks for their employees," Hohman said. "We should expect this trend to only rise, though tech has always paved the way in terms of innovative people and HR practices."</p>
<p>Hohman said that, regardless of industry, a few strong themes stood out among this year's winners.</p>
<p>"Specifically, employees reported that they love working at companies with mission-driven company cultures, where they have clear career opportunities, and where senior leadership teams make them feel valued and are transparent with how they communicate with employees," he said. "We also saw a trend of employees really appreciating family-friendly benefits, from extended parental leaves to child care reimbursement."</p>
<p>Head over to Glassdoor to check out <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Award/Best-Places-to-Work-LST_KQ0,19.htm">the full list</a>, and scroll down for the top 50 best places to work:</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/signs-you-should-quit-your-job-2017-7" >22 signs it's time to quit your job</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>DON'T MISS:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/most-stressful-jobs-2017-7" >29 jobs to avoid if you hate feeling stressed</a></strong></p>
<h3>50. SpaceX</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5a272feef914c347018b81e6-400-300/50-spacex.jpg" alt="" />
<p><p><span><strong>Company rating: </strong>4.3</span></p>
<p><span>SpaceX, which is short for Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company.</span></p>
<p><span>"Everyone here is trusted to make smart decisions so we spend time focusing on the goal rather than getting hung up on the little things. Everyone here is approachable and relaxed so it makes the workplace feel like somewhere you actually want to be every day." &mdash; <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Employee-Review-SpaceX-RVW17404252.htm">SpaceX Material flow planner</a> (Hawthorne, California)</span></p></p>
<br/><br/><h3>49. Wegmans Food Markets</h3>
<img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/584b0e51ca7f0c1e058b4a71-400-300/49-wegmans-food-markets.jpg" alt="" />
<p><p><span><strong>Company rating: </strong>4.3</span></p>
<p><span>Wegmans Food Markets is a&nbsp;regional supermarket chain&nbsp;with stores in the mid-Atlantic and New England.</span></p>
<p><span>"Great work environment, decent pay and benefits for retail work. Encouraged to grow and move up in company. Friendly environment." </span><span>&mdash; <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Employee-Review-Wegmans-Food-Markets-RVW16204487.htm">Wegmans Food Markets customer service representative</a></span><span> (Collegeville, Pennsylvania)</span></p></p>
<br/><br/><h3>48. Oshkosh Corporation</h3>
<img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5a27360af914c346018b8211-400-300/48-oshkosh-corporation.jpg" alt="" />
<p><p><span><strong>Company rating: </strong>4.3</span></p>
<p><span>Oshkosh Corporation is an American industrial company based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, that designs and builds specialty trucks, military vehicles, truck bodies, airport fire apparatus and access equipment.</span><span></span></p>
<p><span>"People first culture. Talented teams throughout the company willing to help. Very successful, yet committed to being even better. Incredible products." </span><span>&mdash;</span><span> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Employee-Review-Oshkosh-Corporation-RVW17129152.htm">Oshkosh Corporation vice president of business development</a> (Oshkosh, Wisconsin)</span></p></p>
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-places-to-work-2018-2017-12#/#47-protiviti-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-expands-to-colorado-2017-11In-N-Out is expanding to Coloradohttp://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-expands-to-colorado-2017-11
Thu, 30 Nov 2017 12:19:18 -0500Dennis Green
<p><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/5a20388f3dbef4e3058b91d8-800/o-29.jpg" alt="In-N-Out" data-mce-source="Yelp/Peter C." data-link="https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/in-n-out-burger-hollywood?select=EHsL0gRdGCnzHR60O0hkjw" /></p><p></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>In-N-Out Burger is opening a distribution center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The news was announced on Twitter by Denver City Council President Albus Brooks.</strong></li>
<li><strong>It's the first land acquisition in Colorado by the company, and it sets the stage for opening future restaurants.&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In-N-Out is about to invade Colorado.</p>
<p>The vaunted California-based burger chain is set to open a distribution center for operations in Colorado. The facility will be located in Colorado Springs, at Interquest Parkway and Voyager Parkway in the new Victory Ridge redevelopment.</p>
<p>The location will also have both office space and a burger patty-making facility, setting the stage for new In-N-Out restaurants in the state. Colorado would be the seventh state to have In-N-Out restaurants, in addition to California, Texas, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Oregon.</p>
<p>The news was first announced <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbusBrooksD9">in a tweet </a>from Denver City Council President Albus Brooks. Colorado Springs is about 45 minutes from Denver.</p>
<p>A spokesperson for the project's development company confirmed the news with Business Insider. No timeline was given for the facilities' opening, as they are still in the early planning stages.</p>
<p>The burger chain is famously methodical in its approach to expansion, and it rolls out new restaurants and distribution centers slowly to maintain quality control. It calls this its "slow growth strategy."</p>
<p>Rumors of In-N-Out's expansion to Colorado have circulated for years.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In 2013, Brooks wrote a letter to In-N-Out's head of planning and development, Carl Van Fleet, requesting that the company bring its restaurants to Colorado.</p>
<p>According to a letter obtained by <a href="http://blogs.denverpost.com/thespot/topic/carl-van-fleet/">The Denver Post</a>, Van Fleet responded by saying, "You continue to give us the biggest compliment possible with your efforts to interest us in Colorado. That said, at this time, we're still not looking to add a sixth state and we&rsquo;re just focusing our growth efforts in the five states where we currently operate."</p>
<p>It seems that times have changed.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/shake-shack-versus-in-n-out-faceoff-2015-9" >I tried Shake Shack and In-N-Out side by side — and it's clear which one is better</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-expands-to-colorado-2017-11#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/burger-joint-secret-restaurant-inside-swanky-nyc-hotel-le-parker-meridien-2017-10">There's a secret 'Burger Joint' inside this swanky NYC hotel</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/milos-alabama-fast-food-chain-restaurant-video-shake-shack-in-n-out-burger-2017-10What it's like to eat at Milo's — the Alabama fast food chain that's better than In-N-Out and Shake Shackhttp://www.businessinsider.com/milos-alabama-fast-food-chain-restaurant-video-shake-shack-in-n-out-burger-2017-10
Tue, 17 Oct 2017 15:42:12 -0400Graham Flanagan
<p>While on a recent trip to my hometown of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/tuscaloosa-alabama-central-high-school-resegregation-undividing-america-2017-6">Tuscaloosa, Alabama</a>, I paid a visit to an Alabama fast food institution: <a href="http://miloshamburgers.com/">Milo's Hamburgers</a>. With 15 locations, Milo's stands out as one of the unique fast food options available in the Yellowhammer state.</p>
<p>The restaurant's signature burgers and fries are supplemented by a unique <a href="http://miloshamburgers.com/menu/">menu</a> that includes chicken tenders, "fried pies," a variety of original sauces, and sweet tea that is so beloved the company created a slushie version that's beginning to <a href="http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2017/09/coming_soon_to_stores_the_milo.html">roll out</a> in Alabama convenience stores.</p>
<p>With an exclusively regional presence and a devoted cult following, Milo's just might be worthy&nbsp;of being considered the In-N-Out Burger of the South. Following is a transcript of the video:</p>
<p>[We tried the "In-N-Out Burger" of Alabama]</p>
<p>[Tuscaloosa, Alabama]</p>
<p>[All 15 Milo's locations are in Alabama]</p>
<p>[The chain is famous for its burgers, crinkle-cut fries, a variety of sauces, chicken tenders,&nbsp; "fried pies," and its beloved sweet tea]</p>
<p><strong>Milo's Employee:&nbsp;</strong>Thank you, sir!</p>
<p><strong>Graham Flanagan: </strong>Appreciate it!</p>
<p>This is really important &mdash; the sauces that you get. They've got five sauces, five original sauces. Too much sauce? I don't think so.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I'm gonna start with the double cheeseburger. It's caked in this Milo's sauce, onions, pickles &ndash; it's kind of got that vibe of like, a barbecue cheeseburger.&nbsp; So good! There's something about that sauce with the burger.</p>
<p>Look at these fries. Beautiful. Crinkle-cut fries. Comparable to something you'd get at Shake Shack. Let's try that with the sauces. You know, they call me the "Big Dipper." Mix it up, baby!</p>
<p>This my cousin Jon.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Jon Tyler:&nbsp;</strong>Hello.</p>
<p><strong>Flanagan:&nbsp;</strong>What makes Milo's unique?</p>
<p><strong>Tyler:&nbsp;</strong>The chicken.</p>
<p><strong>Flanagan:&nbsp;</strong>Look at that! Man! You're on chicken cam!</p>
<p>They also have what they call "fried pies." I'm just gonna take a bite out of it like a Pop-Tart. That is so delicious. Flaky and sweet. Today is my cheat day.</p>
<p>Milo's is famous for its sweet tea. People buy it by the gallon. It's a phenomenon. Just to give you an idea of how popular Milo's sweet tea is, there's a gas station sort of on the outskirts of Tuscaloosa that sells a Milo's slushie, but they call it a "Freezey." And this is the only place you can get it. Wow. It's already got lemon in it. It tastes like the tea, but it's a slushie. This is like the greatest invention of all time!</p>
<p>I bet a lot of Alabamians would be ready to take this up against In-N-Out Burger any day. I think the rest of the nation would be in luck if they ever decided to expand.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/milos-alabama-fast-food-chain-restaurant-video-shake-shack-in-n-out-burger-2017-10#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/religious-messages-bible-verses-hidden-on-company-packaging-2017-9These 5 companies are subtly spreading religious messages — and many customers have no ideahttp://www.businessinsider.com/religious-messages-bible-verses-hidden-on-company-packaging-2017-9
Wed, 20 Sep 2017 15:47:45 -0400Kate Taylor
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/56b118b758c3236d028b7576-1200/in-n-out-.jpg" alt="in n out " data-mce-source="Flickr/Laine Trees" data-link="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lainetrees/6800675694/"></p><p>Some major American companies are subtly sending religious messages to customers — even if most people don't notice. </p>
<p>Brands like <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chick-fil-a-reinvents-itself-liberal-conservative-2017-5">Chick-fil-A</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-know-about-hobby-lobby-president-backed-museum-of-the-bible-2017-7">Hobby Lobby</a> have alienated some customers as executives' religious views have influenced business decisions at certain points in time. </p>
<p>However, other companies' religious beliefs are less obvious — even though they're right under customers' noses. These brands hide Bible verses and other religious content in plain sight. </p>
<p>Some religious customers see these hidden messages as a reason to celebrate, and they double down on their support of brands like In-N-Out and Forever 21. However, others feel that using religious language on packaging is offensive evangelizing to customers of different beliefs. </p>
<p>Here are five companies that many customers may not realize are using their business to share religious messages. </p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/cook-out-restaurant-review-2017-6" >We visited the regional chain that Southerners say is better than In-N-Out and Shake Shack — here's the verdict</a></strong></p>
<h3>Forever 21</h3>
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<p>Every Forever 21 shopping bag has the words "John 3:16" on the bottom. The verse, one of the best-known in the Bible, reads: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."&nbsp;</p>
<p>"It shows us how much God loves us," Forever 21 founder Do Won Chang <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1209/21/ta.01.html">told CNN in 2012. </a>"The love he gave us, by giving us his only son, Jesus, was so unbelievable to me. I hoped others would learn of God's love. So that's why I put it there."</p></p>
<br/><br/><h3>In-N-Out</h3>
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<p>The beloved West Coast burger chain stealthily puts&nbsp;Bible verses on much of its packaging. The wrapper on the famous "Double-Double" for example, lists&nbsp;Nahum 1:7 &mdash; "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him" &mdash; <a href="http://www.snopes.com/business/alliance/inandout.asp">according to Snopes.</a></p>
<p>Lynsi Snyder &mdash; the billionaire president of the California-based burger chain and the granddaughter of its founders &mdash; is a Christian who <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-president-lynsi-snyder-gives-revealing-new-interview-2017-1">says she found peace through religion.</a></p> </p>
<br/><br/><h3>Trijicon</h3>
<img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/59c0157b38d20d41188b745f-400-300/trijicon.jpg" alt="" />
<p><p>Trijicon, which makes optical sighting equipment for firearms, encountered controversy in 2010 when <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/us-military-weapons-inscribed-secret-jesus-bible-codes/story?id=9575794">ABC News discovered</a> the company was putting coded references to Bible verses on its products. &nbsp;</p>
<p>The&nbsp;Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight), for example, has the inscription&nbsp;JN8:12. That refers to John 8:12: "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"</p>
<p>"Trijicon places a small biblical reference on the products we sell," the company's website reads.</p>
<p>"It is a tradition started by our founder and we continue it as a reflection of our company values," it continues. "Although Trijicon has now offered to remove these references for military issued products, we will continue to inscribe our consumer products with biblical references."&nbsp;</p></p>
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/religious-messages-bible-verses-hidden-on-company-packaging-2017-9#/#cook-out-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/why-in-n-out-burger-wont-expand-east-2017-7Why In-N-Out Burger won't expand to the East Coasthttp://www.businessinsider.com/why-in-n-out-burger-wont-expand-east-2017-7
Sat, 22 Jul 2017 11:17:00 -0400Hayley Peterson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/512b7fa3ecad04e11c000001-900-598/6805312050_edc0c74b00_b.jpg" alt="in-n-out burger" border="0" /></p><p><span>Fans of In-N-Out have been begging the chain for years to&nbsp;open restaurants on the East Coast.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span>The fast-food chain, which is based on the West Coast, has slowly expanded eastward over its 70-year lifetime to Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and more recently to <a href="http://www.chron.com/business/article/In-N-Out-Burger-Coming-To-Houston-Westheimer-11299057.php#photo-9494352">Houston</a>, Texas.&nbsp;The company has also been holding "pop-up shops" around the world,&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.8asians.com/2014/03/12/in-n-out-burger-opens-in-taipei-for-2-hrs/">where burgers tend to sell out within minutes</a><span>.</span></p>
<p>All signs seemingly point to a plan for expansion.</p>
<p>But four major factors make it highly unlikely that East Coasters will get to experience the joy of an In-N-Out in their neighborhood anytime soon.</p>
<p>Here's why:</p>
<p><strong>1</strong>.<strong> Quality control:</strong> There are no freezers or microwaves in In-N-Out restaurants because the company has a strict policy of serving its food fresh. Therefore, all locations must be within 300 miles of the company's distribution facilities.<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/596fac71c50c2957008b5449-856/screen shot 2017-01-11 at 112445 am.jpg" alt="Lynsi Snyder" data-mce-source="I Am Second" data-link="http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/lynsi-snyder/" /></p>
<p>"At In-N-Out Burger, we make all of our hamburger patties ourselves and deliver them fresh to all of our restaurants with our own delivery vehicles," In-N-Out vice president of planning and development Carl Van Fleet told Business Insider in a previous interview. "Nothing is ever frozen. Our new restaurant locations are limited by the distance we can travel from our patty-making facilities and distribution centers."</p>
<p><strong>2. Exclusivity:</strong> Everything has more appeal when it's not available to everyone, and the exclusivity of In-N-Out has helped the restaurant gain such a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/fast-food-menu-items-with-cult-followings-2012-11#">rabid following</a> of fans.</p>
<p>In response to pleading from a local politician for an In-N-Out to open in Denver, Van Fleet made it clear the company was not planning to expand farther east.</p>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5808d9278d83b40f218b5878-977/innout3.11-1024x733.jpg" alt="InNOut3.11 1024x733" data-mce-source="Yelp" />"You continue to give us the biggest compliment possible with your efforts to interest us in Colorado," he wrote in a letter obtained by <a href="http://blogs.denverpost.com/thespot/topic/carl-van-fleet/">The Denver Post</a>. "That said, at this time, we're still not looking to add a sixth state and we're just focusing our growth efforts in the five states where we currently operate."</p>
<p>Since then, In-N-Out has expanded to Oregon &mdash; which is the chain's sixth state of operation.</p>
<p><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">3.</strong> <strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">Competition:</strong> The East Coast has numerous burger joints that would offer tough competition for In-N-Out, including Shake Shack and Five Guys.</p>
<p><strong>4. No franchising: </strong>In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder has said the company will "never" go public or franchise its restaurants.</p>
<p><span>"The only reason we would do that is for the money, and I wouldn&rsquo;t do it,"Snyder told&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/behind-the-in-n-out-burger-dynasty/">CBS</a>.</span></p>
<p><span>"M</span><span>y heart is totally connected to this company because of my family, and the fact that they are not here &mdash; I have a strong tie to keep this the way they would want it."</span></p>
<p>A large-scale expansion without franchising would require a massive amount of up-front capital from the company.</p>
<p>"In-N-Out remains privately owned and the Snyder family has no plans to take the company public or franchise any units," the company reaffirms on its website.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-life-of-in-n-out-heiress-lynsi-snyder-2017-5" >Everything we know about In-N-Out's reclusive 35-year-old president who just became one of the youngest billionaires in America</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-in-n-out-burger-wont-expand-east-2017-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/shake-shack-secret-menu-peanut-butter-bacon-burger-2015-2">Here's what happened when I ordered Shake Shack's secret menu burger</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/whataburger-versus-in-n-out-comparison-2017-7In-N-Out and Whataburger could soon become intense rivals — and it's clear who makes a better burgerhttp://www.businessinsider.com/whataburger-versus-in-n-out-comparison-2017-7
Wed, 19 Jul 2017 14:46:37 -0400Sarah Jacobs
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/565ba35f84307668008b5f1a-1700-1133/burger-smackdown-0074.jpg" alt="Whataburger, In-N-Out" data-mce-source="Sarah Jacobs" /></p><p><a href="http://whataburger.com/">Whataburger</a> is to Texas what <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/">In-N-Out</a> is to California. Both companies are still family-owned, regional chains &mdash; an anomaly in a market that's dominated by national multimillion-dollar fast-food companies.</p>
<p>In-N-Outs are scattered throughout the Southwest, and the brand is expanding its Texas presence with plans to open another <a href="http://www.chron.com/business/article/In-N-Out-Burger-Coming-To-Houston-Westheimer-11299057.php#photo-9494352">location in Houston</a>. Whataburger, on the other hand, has locations throughout the&nbsp;South, from New Mexico to Florida.&nbsp;They meet in the middle, in Dallas, Texas, where I ate both&nbsp;side by side in a taste test last fall.</p>
<p>While Texans swear by Whataburger's more traditionally Southern menu items &mdash; Texas toast, patty melts, biscuits &mdash; Californians rave about In-N-Out's fresh ingredients and "animal-style" burgers. I ordered a burger, large fries, and a chocolate milkshake.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/where-to-eat-instead-of-chipotle-2017-7" >Chipotle shut down a restaurant after customers said they became violently ill — here's where you should eat instead</a></strong></p>
<h3>My first stop was Whataburger. The building is outlined in a classic orange trimming, making it hard to miss when you're cruising down a Texas highway at 80 mph.</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/565ba35384307668008b5f19-400-300/my-first-stop-was-whataburger-the-building-is-outlined-in-a-classic-orange-trimming-making-it-hard-to-miss-when-youre-cruising-down-a-texas-highway-at-80-mph.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>Part of Whataburger's Southern charm is displayed right on their windows. There's an American flag and posters repping the neighborhood sports teams.</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/565ba35584307640008b5f5a-400-300/part-of-whataburgers-southern-charm-is-displayed-right-on-their-windows-theres-an-american-flag-and-posters-repping-the-neighborhood-sports-teams.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>They take pride in their history — found in most Whataburger restaurants is a framed portrait of the chain's founder, Harmon Dobson, and the original location, which opened in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950 (right).</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/565ba35384307639008b5ffb-400-300/they-take-pride-in-their-history--found-in-most-whataburger-restaurants-is-a-framed-portrait-of-the-chains-founder-harmon-dobson-and-the-original-location-which-opened-in-corpus-christi-texas-in-1950-right.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/whataburger-versus-in-n-out-comparison-2017-7#/#aside-from-the-historical-memorabilia-the-inside-of-a-whataburger-is-like-most-fast-food-chains-it-has-relatively-dim-lighting-tiled-floors-and-a-mostly-hidden-kitchen-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/consumer-letter-in-n-out-beef-antibiotics-2017-5Consumers are demanding that In-N-Out stop 'dragging its feet' and make a big change to its beefhttp://www.businessinsider.com/consumer-letter-in-n-out-beef-antibiotics-2017-5
Fri, 26 May 2017 00:20:00 -0400Erin Brodwin
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/560c0d889dd7cc22008be2d6-3368-2526/2705353609_231032c88d_o.jpg" alt="in n out burger" data-mce-source="Flickr/@kevinv033" data-link="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinv033/2705353609/"></p><p>From the no-frills menu to the juicy burgers and secret sauce, what's not to love about In-N-Out?</p>
<p>Apparently one thing, according to some vocal fans: The company is still using meat from animals that are fed antibiotics.</p>
<p>On Thursday, representatives from more than 30 consumer and environmental groups sent <a href="http://calpirg.org/news/cap/letter-n-out">a letter</a> to the California-based chain asking it to stop serving meat produced with the drugs.</p>
<p>Last year, a larger group of consumer organizations sent In-N-Out a <a href="http://calpirg.org/news/cap/letter-n-out">similar letter</a>. The company responded, stating it was "committed to beef that is not raised with antibiotics important to human medicine," and promised to ask its suppliers to look for alternatives. They did not set down any specific dates for achieving those goals, however.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/05/25/consumer-coalition-calls-n-out-burger-fulfill-promise-reduce-antibiotics-use">newest letter</a> asks the chain to set a timeline for using antibiotic-free meat.</p>
<p>”It’s time for In-N-Out Burger to stop dragging its feet and make good on its promise to require its meat suppliers to improve practices and end the misuse of antibiotics,” Kari Hamerschlag, deputy director of food and technology at the nonprofit organization Friends of the Earth, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/05/25/consumer-coalition-calls-n-out-burger-fulfill-promise-reduce-antibiotics-use">said in a press release</a>.</p>
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/559457e1ecad041e24259418-2667-2000/antibiotics .jpg" alt="Antibiotics " data-mce-source="Getty Images/Joe Raedle">The practice of feeding antibiotics to farm animals has become routine. When first introduced, it was seen as a helpful tool to keep infections in livestock at bay. But the drugs started&nbsp;getting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/10/american-meat-has-more-antibiotics-than-ever/381100/">fed in excess</a>&nbsp;to animals like pigs, cattle, and chickens. C<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">lose to 70% of those antibiotics are the same ones <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalVeterinary/GuidanceComplianceEnforcement/GuidanceforIndustry/UCM052519.pdf">doctors use to fight infections in people</a>. </span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/index.html">Research suggests</a> that overusing antibiotics — both on farms and in hospitals —&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/half-of-all-prescriptions-are-for-antibiotics-that-dont-treat-viruses-2015-12">fuels a dangerous scenario</a> in which strong bacteria called superbugs no longer respond to the drugs we prescribe to treat them. That makes more and more drugs necessary,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/antibiotic-resistant-superbugs-are-causing-bacterial-infections-2014-12">creating a vicious cycle</a> that creates even stronger bacteria.</p>
<p>A study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that <a href="http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc1212055">as many as half of all antibiotic prescriptions</a> given out in the US are unnecessary. It is a practice that comes with deadly consequences. The CDC estimates that roughly <a href="http://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-uncounted-surveillance/">23,000 people die each year</a> from antibiotic-resistant infections.</p>
<p>New federal restrictions on antibiotic use in animals went into effect January 1, so meat and poultry producers are now prohibited from&nbsp;using antibiotics that are medically important for humans to promote&nbsp;animal growth. All medically important antibiotics that producers feed to animals for health reasons must also now get veterinarian approval, which was not the case in the past.</p>
<p>Even with those restrictions, however, antibiotic use is still common on large-scale farms. If In-N-Out chooses to respond to the letters, the chain would join a handful of other restaurants that have promised to phase out meat produced with antibiotics, including Chipotle and McDonald's.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/alcohol-drinking-cancer-risk-2017-5" >There's more evidence that drinking alcohol — even just one glass a day — is linked to cancer</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/consumer-letter-in-n-out-beef-antibiotics-2017-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/over-the-counter-cold-medicine-doesnt-work-univeristy-of-florida-phenylephrine-2015-10">Researchers say your over-the-counter cold medicine doesn’t actually work</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/five-guys-beats-in-n-out-in-harris-poll-2017-5In-N-Out just lost its title as America's favorite burger chainhttp://www.businessinsider.com/five-guys-beats-in-n-out-in-harris-poll-2017-5
Tue, 16 May 2017 10:26:10 -0400Kate Taylor
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/591b079be559f106028b5999-1880/five%20guys%20burgers-9.jpg" alt="Five Guys Burgers 9" data-mce-source="Hollis Johnson"></p><p>Five Guys has triumphed over In-N-Out in a battle of the burger brands.</p>
<p>The chain received the top spot in the burger category in The Harris Poll's annual EquiTrend Study. This is the first time Five Guys has been crowned the burger champion in the study, which asks respondents to rate brands based on familiarity, quality, and how likely they are to consider purchasing its items.</p>
<p>"The burger brand category has become less fragmented, as regional brands expand and become available in more parts of the country," Joan Sinopoli, vice president of brand solutions at The Harris Poll, said in a statement. "This is certainly the case with Five Guys, who has shed its 'small regional player' designation as it expands its footprint and marketing budget along with its fandom, which is a tremendous contributor to brand equity."</p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://instagram.com/p/BUH2Zf-gucu/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">We're going to just leave this right here...it's National Hamburger Month after all! (🍔: souljaboyy22/Twitter) #FiveGuys #NationalHamburgerMonth</a>
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<p style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#c9c8cd; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Five Guys (@fiveguys) on May 15, 2017 at 11:14am PDT on
<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-05-15T18:14:09+00:00">May 15, 2017 at 11:14am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Five Guys ousted In-N-Out, which had the top spot for the last two years. The West Coast chain snagged the No. 2 spot.</p>
<p>While McDonald's earned top marks for familiarity, the fast-food giant ranked seventh, behind brands like Shake Shack, Wendy's, and Culver's.</p>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/55f0ae51bd86ef19008b9345-910/7025300923_c26f41a66a_b.jpeg" alt="five guys burger" data-mce-source="By chief_huddleston on Flickr" data-link="http://www.flickr.com/photos/huddleston/7025300923/"></p>
<p>The first Five Guys opened its doors in 1986, in Arlington, Virginia. The chain is known for its burgers, grilled in front of customers and topped with limitless toppings, and fries, cooked in peanut oil.</p>
<p>"It's a simple burger that's filling and delicious in a guilty sort of way," Hollis Johnson wrote in his <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/five-guys-vs-smashburger-taste-test-2016-4">Business Insider review of Five Guys</a>. "As the better-burger industry evolves, there's something to be said for restaurants that serve an honest, humble burger in a no-frills environment. It's the classic American burger enterprise."</p>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5716510d52bcd01f7b8bd4ab-1666/five%20guys%20burgers-13.jpg" alt="Five Guys Burgers 13" data-mce-source="Hollis Johnson"></p>
<p>While many "better burger" chains like Smashburger and Shake Shack aim for trendy designs, Five Guys has a no-fuss atmosphere, with an open kitchen and bold red-and-white decorations.</p>
<p>The chain earned national recognition in 2009 when President Barack Obama stopped at a DC location while taping a day-in-the-life segment with NBC Nightly News and ordered a round of burgers for his staff. His order was a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, jalapeno peppers, and mustard, <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/id/31002348/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-makes-another-cheeseburger-run/#.WRsK9lPyui5">according to NBC</a>.</p>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/591b0a79e559f106028b59c5-2400/ap090529016538.jpg" alt="Obama Five Guys" data-mce-source="AP"></p>
<p>In 2003, the brand, which is family-owned, began expanding out of the Washington, DC, area. Today, there are about 1,500 locations worldwide.</p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://instagram.com/p/BSrDSgpgOKz/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">😮 (🍔: technolandy/Twitter) #FiveGuys</a>
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<p style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#c9c8cd; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Five Guys (@fiveguys) on Apr 9, 2017 at 10:17am PDT on
<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-04-09T17:17:25+00:00">Apr 9, 2017 at 10:17am PDT</time></p>
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<p>As the chain expands, Americans' appreciation for Five Guys increases. In 2013, 48% of respondents were familiar with Five Guys, according to The Harris Poll. Today, that figure is 68%, with Five Guys reaching 81% familiarity among Generation Z and millennials.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/five-guys-vs-smashburger-taste-test-2016-4/#the-burgers-are-small-but-attention-is-paid-to-the-details-the-brioche-bun-easily-holds-in-all-of-the-cheese-sauce-and-veggies-and-its-obviously-one-good-looking-burger-5" >We tried Five Guys next to its biggest competitor — here's who does it best</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/five-guys-beats-in-n-out-in-harris-poll-2017-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/rise-and-fall-of-hooters-airline-myrtle-beach-bob-brooks-atlanta-airplanes-2018-2">The rise and fall of Hooters Air — the airline that lost the 'breastaurant' $40 million</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/the-best-fast-food-chains-in-america-2017-5The 25 best fast-food chains in America right nowhttp://www.businessinsider.com/the-best-fast-food-chains-in-america-2017-5
Tue, 09 May 2017 12:32:00 -0400Mary Hanbury
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5910cf7d73f2f329008b4691-1201/bi-graphicsamericas best fast-food chains 4x3.png" alt="America's best fast food chains" data-mce-source="Flickr/Laine Trees"></p><p>Americans can't get enough fast food, which is why it represents a $238 billion and growing industry in the US, according to the market-research firm Euromonitor.</p>
<p>But fast-food lovers aren't loyal only to legacy chains like McDonald's, KFC, and Taco Bell. In fact, these giants don't even break the top 25 in our latest ranking of the top fast-food chains in America.</p>
<p>Business Insider teamed up with <a href="http://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/">Restaurant Business</a>, a publication that focuses on the food-service industry, to compile this list. Using proprietary data collected by Restaurant Business and its sister research firm <a href="https://www.technomic.com/">Technomic</a> from 2016, we looked at nearly 100 of the largest US chains and rated them on three criteria we considered the most telling for all-around fast-food excellence: financial performance, customer satisfaction, and overall value. Our calculations accounted for sales growth, average sales at each location, consumer-sentiment ratings, and the average cost of a meal, among other metrics.</p>
<p>Keep reading to see the 25 best fast-food chains in America right now.</p>
<p><em>Emmie Martin, Tanza Loudenback, and Alexa Pipia contributed to an earlier version of this article.</em></p><h3>25. Jet's Pizza</h3>
<img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/590cf9c469e69a22008b4e50-400-300/25-jets-pizza.jpg" alt="" />
<p><p><strong>Headquarters:&nbsp;</strong>Sterling Heights, Michigan</p>
<p><strong>US sales in 2016:&nbsp;</strong>$368 million</p>
<p><strong>Number of US locations:&nbsp;</strong>404</p>
<p><strong>Customer satisfaction rank:&nbsp;</strong>24</p>
<p><strong>Value rank:&nbsp;</strong>35</p>
<p>Brothers Eugene and John Jetts opened the first&nbsp;<a href="http://jetspizza.com/about">Jet's Pizza</a>&nbsp;restaurant in Michigan in 1978, and since then it has spread to <a href="http://jetspizza.com/about">18 US states</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Jet's claims not to scrimp on ingredients. And<span>&nbsp;its pizzas aren't dirt cheap. On average, customers can expect to spend $8.05 on a meal at the chain. Its signature style, the deep-dish square pizza, comes in many varieties or&nbsp;customers can choose to create their own from scratch.&nbsp;</span></p></p>
<br/><br/><h3>24. Jamba Juice</h3>
<img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/57290de652bcd01a008c08ba-400-300/24-jamba-juice.jpg" alt="" />
<p><p><strong>Headquarters:&nbsp;</strong>Frisco,&nbsp;Texas</p>
<p><strong>US sales in 2016:&nbsp;</strong>$547 million</p>
<p><strong><strong>Number of US locations:</strong> </strong>828</p>
<p><strong>Customer satisfaction rank:&nbsp;</strong>16</p>
<p><strong>Value rank:&nbsp;</strong>37</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://www.jambajuice.com/blend-in-the-good/about-jamba">Founded in 1990</a> in a California beach town, Jamba Juice was years ahead of today's ubiquitous green smoothie and healthy-living trends and remained a favorite for loyal customers over the years.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jambajuice.com/menu-and-nutrition/menu">chain's menu</a> has expanded sine then, now offering Greek yogurt or acai berry bowls with soy milk. There's also plenty of new fruit and vegetable smoothies.&nbsp;</span></p></p>
<br/><br/><h3>23. Potbelly Sandwich Shop</h3>
<img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/590cb6bc52b5d81d008b4b8b-400-300/23-potbelly-sandwich-shop.jpg" alt="" />
<p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Chicago</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>US sales in 2016:</strong> $446 million</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Number of US locations:</strong>&nbsp;454</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Customer satisfaction rank:</strong>&nbsp;25</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Value rank:</strong>&nbsp;16</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When Potbelly opened in 1977, </span><a href="http://www.potbelly.com/Company/OurStory.aspx"><span style="font-weight: 400;">it was an antique shop</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. The young couple who ran it decided they wanted to serve lunch to their customers, and the store evolved into a local lunch spot. In 1996, entrepreneur&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/news/potbelly-founder-bryant-keil-exits-chain"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bryant Keil</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> bought Potbelly and turned it into a franchise; he stepped down as CEO in 2008 and <a href="http://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/news/potbelly-founder-bryant-keil-exits-chain">is no longer involved</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today, not only do all the Potbelly stores serve sandwiches and fresh cookies, but each location has its <a href="https://www.potbelly.com/our-story">own potbelly stove</a>.&nbsp;</span></span></p></p>
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-best-fast-food-chains-in-america-2017-5#/#22-jimmy-johns-gourmet-sandwiches-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-president-lynsi-snyder-inheritance-2017-5Meet the mysterious 35-year-old In-N-Out heiress who just became one of the youngest billionaires in Americahttp://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-president-lynsi-snyder-inheritance-2017-5
Fri, 05 May 2017 23:44:00 -0400Hayley Peterson
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/56004cb8bd86ef1f008bbdd1-1126-845/screen shot 2015-09-18 at 3.10.26 pm.png" alt="Lynsi Snyder" data-mce-source="CBS "></p><p>Thirty-five-year-old Lynsi Snyder just gained full control of one of the most popular burger chains in the US: In-N-Out.</p>
<p>Snyder inherited 50% of In-N-Out's shares when she turned 30, and on Friday — her 35th birthday — she acquired the chain's remaining shares.</p>
<p>The inheritance makes her one of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lynsi-torres-heiress-to-in-n-out-fortune-2013-2">youngest female billionaires in the country</a></p>
<p>In-N-Out, which has 324 restaurants in six states, <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-02-04/youngest-american-woman-billionaire-found-with-in-n-out">was valued at $1.1 billion</a> in 2013.</p>
<p>Snyder's grandparents opened the first In-N-Out in 1948 and she became president of the chain seven years ago.</p>
<p>Despite her public role as president, Snyder is famously reclusive and rarely talks to the press.</p>
<p>But in a video released in January, she offered some insight into her personal life.</p>
<p>She discussed her four marriages, the death of her father, and her past drug use in the 10-minute video, which was posted to the website <a href="http://www.mmsend3.com/link.cfm?r=frBM9PVWLMgfITVA2P2FFQ~~&amp;pe=0WR9O1d7zb9EUOAXGUkGwoNE3N82GQssazzxvyXShK9im5gRXhlNwO7lu1vWb7UmbIJxbzx_9PUcZWtZvpD4WQ~~" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://www.mmsend3.com/link.cfm?r%3DfrBM9PVWLMgfITVA2P2FFQ~~%26pe%3D0WR9O1d7zb9EUOAXGUkGwoNE3N82GQssazzxvyXShK9im5gRXhlNwO7lu1vWb7UmbIJxbzx_9PUcZWtZvpD4WQ~~&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1484235803439000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGF_WMLwmjKJoceHmn1hzVArhDtWg">Iamsecond.com</a>.</p>
<p>After her grandfather died in 1976, Snyder's uncle, Rich Snyder, took over the company. He was at the helm until 1993, when he died in a plane crash.</p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/58765d8ef10a9a23008b7cf2-1007/screen shot 2017-01-11 at 112445 am.jpg" alt="Lynsi Snyder" data-mce-source="I Am Second" data-link="http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/lynsi-snyder/">Lynsi's father, Guy Snyder, then replaced his brother and remained in charge until 1999, when he died of a prescription-drug overdose. Lynsi was 17 at the time.</p>
<p>Seven years later, in 2006, Lynsi's grandmother died and Lynsi inherited control of the company. She became president four years later in 2010.</p>
<p>Since taking the position as president, Snyder has expanded In-N-Out to six states from four. She has changed almost nothing else about the brand, which prides itself on a simple menu of burgers and fries.</p>
<p>Snyder calls herself an "organized, careful leader," though she admits that she's also a thrill-seeker.</p>
<p>"I'm a lot like my dad, a little bit of a daredevil," she told <a href="http://www.orangecoast.com/features/in-n-outs-burger-queen/">Orange Coast Magazine</a> last year. "I like an adrenaline rush. My dad took me to the racetrack for the first time when I was 2 or 3. … Anything with a motor, that was in my blood."</p>
<p>She enjoys drag-racing and once pursued an amateur boxing career, according to the magazine.</p>
<h2>Snyder's personal life</h2>
<p>In the video released in January, Snyder&nbsp;talked about how her father, Guy Snyder, battled drug addiction and was in and out of rehab facilities from the time she was 5 years old. He later had an affair, and her parents divorced when she was 12.</p>
<p>"It was really hard for me to see him fail and be weak because I knew how bad he wanted to be a good husband and good father," she said.</p>
<p>Around the same time, in 1993, her father took control of In-N-Out from his brother.</p>
<p>Her father led the company until he died of the drug overdose in 1999.</p>
<p>"My world shattered," she said. "After my dad died there was no way I was going to be alone."</p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/52ebb7c369bedd76222368f9-943/screen shot 2014-01-31 at 94804 am.png" alt="lynsi torres " data-mce-source="ABC News" data-link="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9loiUj7Chks">After her father's death, Snyder married her first husband. She was 18 years old.</p>
<p>"It wasn't right," she said. "I paid the price with a divorce and jumped right into the arms of someone else."</p>
<p>Then she said she started smoking pot and abusing alcohol.</p>
<p>"At that point, I pretty much realized I'm the outcast in the family," she said. "I figured, 'I'm divorced — I might as well embrace this.'"</p>
<p>She said she worried she would "meet an early death" like her father, and she eventually married again, had two children, and later had an affair. The marriage dissolved within six years, she said.</p>
<p>"I couldn't feel like a bigger failure at that point," she said.</p>
<p>She married a third time and had another child with a man she said married her for money and cheated on her for nearly four years before they divorced.</p>
<p>"The first time he cheated on me I thought, 'Well I deserve it,'" she said. "It was terrible."</p>
<p>Now, at 34, she is remarried and says she has finally found peace through religion.</p>
<h2>Attempted kidnappings</h2>
<p>Snyder says she has also been a victim of two attempted kidnappings.</p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/56004d9d9dd7cc1d008bbe84-4752-2376/in-n-out.jpg" alt="In-N-Out hamburgers double double fast food burger" data-mce-source="Flickr/Ray Yu"> In her interview with Orange Coast, Snyder said the first kidnapping attempt happened when she was 17 and still in high school. The second time, she was 24 and working as a manager at In-N-Out.</p>
<p>"I ran across the highway," she told the magazine, adding that she knew her would-be kidnappers were suspicious because "they had a van with boarded-up windows."</p>
<p>When asked about her future plans for In-N-Out, Snyder told <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/behind-the-in-n-out-burger-dynasty/">CBS</a> she would "never" take the company public or franchise its restaurants.</p>
<p>"The only reason we would do that is for the money, and I wouldn't do it," Snyder said in the 2015 interview.</p>
<p>"My heart is totally connected to this company because of my family, and the fact that they are not here — I have a strong tie to keep this the way they would want it."</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-in-n-out-burger-wont-expand-east-2015-9" >In-N-Out president explains why the burger chain probably won't expand to the East Coast</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-president-lynsi-snyder-inheritance-2017-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/eating-in-n-out-burger-secret-menu-lettuce-bun-2015-5">We tried In-N-Out Burger's 'secret menu' — and there was only one thing that we really liked</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/cheeseburger-has-a-cheese-patty-on-top-2017-1This cheeseburger has a cheese patty on tophttp://www.businessinsider.com/cheeseburger-has-a-cheese-patty-on-top-2017-1
Mon, 23 Jan 2017 17:32:18 -0500Alana Yzola and Anjelica Oswald
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/cheeseburger-has-a-cheese-patty-on-top-2017-1#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/shake-shack-comparison-in-n-out-burger-fries-2016-12Here's how Shake Shack really compares to In-N-Outhttp://www.businessinsider.com/shake-shack-comparison-in-n-out-burger-fries-2016-12
Sun, 08 Jan 2017 07:30:00 -0500Darren Weaver and Melia Robinson
<p>Talk to any fast food aficionado about their favorite hamburger and they'll likely name <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Shake Shack or In-N-Out Burger at the top of their list. So during a trip to Las Vegas, one of the few cities where you can find both of the burger chains, we decided to try a side-by-side comparison to see which burger triumphed.</span></p>
<p><span></span><span><strong>Follow Tech Insider:</strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/techinsider"><span>On Facebook</span></a></span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/shake-shack-comparison-in-n-out-burger-fries-2016-12#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/most-popular-fast-food-restaurants-state-foursquare-mcdonalds-burgers-2016-12Animated map shows the most popular fast food restaurants in every statehttp://www.businessinsider.com/most-popular-fast-food-restaurants-state-foursquare-mcdonalds-burgers-2016-12
Fri, 09 Dec 2016 07:09:00 -0500Sam Rega
<p>Who has the best burgers? Who has the best fries? Fast food is always hotly debated.&nbsp;To put an end to the debate over the most popular fast food restaurants by state, <a href="http://www.thisisinsider.com/most-popular-fast-food-chain-in-every-state-2016-8">Foursquare identified the restaurants with the most check-ins</a>. This map will show you if your state is on Team McDonald's or Team Chick-Fil-A.</p>
<p><em>Produced by Sam Rega. Original reporting by Sophie-Claire Hoeller.</em></p>
<p><strong>Follow BI Video:</strong> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/BI_Video">On Twitter</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/most-popular-fast-food-restaurants-state-foursquare-mcdonalds-burgers-2016-12#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/most-popular-fast-food-restaurants-state-foursquare-mcdonalds-burgers-2016-12Animated map shows the most popular fast food restaurants in every statehttp://www.businessinsider.com/most-popular-fast-food-restaurants-state-foursquare-mcdonalds-burgers-2016-12
Mon, 05 Dec 2016 06:34:00 -0500Sam Rega
<p>Who has the best burgers? Who has the best fries? Fast food is always hotly debated.&nbsp;To put an end to the debate over the most popular fast food restaurants by state, <a href="http://www.thisisinsider.com/most-popular-fast-food-chain-in-every-state-2016-8">Foursquare identified the restaurants with the most check-ins</a>. This map will show you if your state is on Team McDonald's or Team Chick-Fil-A.</p>
<p><em>Produced by Sam Rega. Original reporting by Sophie-Claire Hoeller.</em></p>
<p><strong>Follow BI Video:</strong> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/BI_Video">On Twitter</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/most-popular-fast-food-restaurants-state-foursquare-mcdonalds-burgers-2016-12#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/anthony-bourdain-how-to-cook-perfect-burger-chef-2016-113 things you need to make the perfect burger — according to Anthony Bourdainhttp://www.businessinsider.com/anthony-bourdain-how-to-cook-perfect-burger-chef-2016-11
Tue, 22 Nov 2016 16:21:00 -0500Sam Rega, Alana Kakoyiannis and Will Wei
<p><span>Chef and&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062409956/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0062409956&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bivideo-20&amp;linkId=b4a4d6585b35dfd4afaa975512ed633d">"Appetites"</a><span>&nbsp;author&nbsp;Anthony Bourdain explains what goes into the perfect burger and when to add additional toppings.</span></p>
<p><strong>Follow Tech Insider: </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/techinsider/">On Facebook</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/anthony-bourdain-how-to-cook-perfect-burger-chef-2016-11#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/why-californians-love-in-n-out-2016-10Californians' love of In-N-Out isn't actually about the quality of its burgershttp://www.businessinsider.com/why-californians-love-in-n-out-2016-10
Thu, 20 Oct 2016 16:04:53 -0400Matthew DeBord
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/56b118b758c3236d028b7576-1200/in-n-out-.jpg" alt="in n out " data-mce-source="Flickr/Laine Trees" data-link="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lainetrees/6800675694/" /></p><p>My colleague Dennis Green <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-is-overrated-2016-10">is baffled</a> that Californians continue to believe that In-N-Out makes&nbsp;a great burger.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"W<span>hat is it that would keep me coming back to In-N-Out when there are objectively (in my mind) better options?" Dennis wrote. </span></p>
<p><span>"It can come down to only one thing: psychology. Namely, </span><a href="http://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog/articles/scarcity-effect.htm">the scarcity effect</a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bandwagon-effect.asp">the bandwagon effect</a><span>. And the two are intertwined."</span></p>
<p><span>Dennis brilliantly and comprehensively&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/shake-shack-versus-in-n-out-faceoff-2016-9">pitted In-N-Out against Shake Shack</a> and thought the Shack won by a considerable margin, so he can back up his view that In-N-Out is overrated.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span>But as much as he's right about the scarcity and bandwagon effects, the real reason that In-N-Out is so beloved by Californians is that, for them, the burgers and the fries and the shakes &mdash; but especially the burgers &mdash; represent a state of mind.</span></p>
<p><span>I lived in LA for ten years, and during that time, I ate many In-N-Out Double Doubles. My wife also ate many burgers. My children ate many burgers. Our friends and neighbors ate many burgers.</span></p>
<p><span>Over time, In-N-Out came to mean far more than a just-OK burger. And Dennis is right, it is merely OK.&nbsp;<em>Objectively,&nbsp;</em>Shake Shack is better &mdash; but although the Shack makes a nice burger, very tasty, I can't see it as anything other than a pretentious In-N-Out ripoff. I went once. I have no burning desire to go back.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span>Shake Shack&nbsp;doesn't put me in a special state of mind. And that matters for the West Coast In-N-Out regulars who&nbsp;grew up with the chain. A lot of Californians who can't get In-N-Out anymore, due to the scarcity effect that Dennis mentions, make the chain their first stop when they get back for a visit.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span>The plane lands, and as soon as they can, they head for the nearest In-N-Out.</span></p>
<p><span>If not, they make sure to grab a burger before they leave. When my daughter, who lived in LA from age 2, missed out on her In-N-Out after a visit &mdash; was cheated of her Proustian madeleine, crafted of beef and cheese and bread &mdash; she complained for a year. Both my sons are native Californians and for them, not having regular&nbsp;access to In-N-Out is like have a tiny hole carved in their little hearts.</span></p>
<p><span>You sometimes hear similar stories about other products that aren't examples of pure excellence. I knew a guy who would always drink a Coke&nbsp;in France whenever he got homesick. Australians can't live without a periodic hit of&nbsp;Vegemite.</span></p>
<p><span>So Californians &mdash; even adopted ones &mdash; aren't at all embarrassed by their allegiance to a burger that can't stack up against the best the fast-food New York culinary-industrial complex has to offer. It doesn't matter if it's any good. Because it tastes like home.</span></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-is-overrated-2016-10" >Californians should be embarrassed by how much they hype overrated In-N-Out Burger</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-californians-love-in-n-out-2016-10#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/big-mac-mcdonalds-burger-millennials-first-time-2016-10">Watch millennials try a McDonald's Big Mac for the first time</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-is-overrated-2016-10Californians should be embarrassed by how much they hype overrated In-N-Out Burgerhttp://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-is-overrated-2016-10
Thu, 20 Oct 2016 11:48:09 -0400Dennis Green
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5808d9278d83b40f218b5878-977/innout3.11-1024x733.jpg" alt="InNOut3.11 1024x733" data-mce-source="Yelp"></p><p>Hillary Clinton's campaign staff treated itself to <a href="https://twitter.com/ABCLiz/status/788968727362404352">a hearty meal of the West Coast favorite In-N-Out Burger</a> before its red-eye trip back to New York from the debate Wednesday night in Las Vegas.</p>
<p>I can't blame the staff for choosing the burger chain to celebrate what most media observers, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-donald-trump-lost-debate-hillary-clinton-2016-10">including Business Insider's Josh Barro</a>, called a Clinton win.</p>
<p>If I were in that neck of the woods, I would certainly choose In-N-Out over other options.</p>
<p>But I have to wonder — why is this? In-N-Out makes a good burger, to be sure. It's flavorful, tasty, and fresh.</p>
<p>But I've had much better burgers. In fact, in <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/shake-shack-versus-in-n-out-faceoff-2016-9">a face-off I conducted</a>, Shake Shack clearly beat out In-N-Out in the burger category. It wasn't even close.</p>
<p>So what is it that would keep me coming back to In-N-Out when there are objectively (in my mind) better options? It can come down to only one thing: psychology. Namely, <a href="http://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog/articles/scarcity-effect.htm">the scarcity effect</a> and <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bandwagon-effect.asp">the bandwagon effect</a>. And the two are intertwined.</p>
<p>In-N-Out has plenty of locations, but its 313 restaurants are densely concentrated on the West Coast. This regional scarcity has played with the minds of burger fans and West Coast residents, realizing they can't get their precious burgers when they travel to other areas.</p>
<p>This has tricked them into thinking In-N-Out is somehow special because it is relatively rare.</p>
<p>Even if the actual product doesn't deserve the hype, more join the bandwagon without even realizing it, falling for the monster this hype has become. Things like the secret menu feed into this, creating a cult around the brand.</p>
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Clinton staffers' post-debate, meal of choice on their red-eye back to NY: <a href="https://twitter.com/innoutburger">@innoutburger</a> <a href="https://t.co/tLjWem4OTJ">pic.twitter.com/tLjWem4OTJ</a> </p>— Liz Kreutz (@ABCLiz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/788968727362404352">October 20, 2016</a>
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<p>Californians should be embarrassed that they fell for this psychological trick hook, line, and sinker and have even gone as far as to integrate it into the regional identity.</p>
<p>There's no economic reason that In-N-Out can't <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-in-n-out-burger-wont-expand-east-2015-4">expand faster than its current pace and beyond its current region</a>. Plenty of other fast-food chains and restaurants have done so and maintained quality. It is just aware that it will loose some of the Cali cultural cachet it has built up along its 67-year history.</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong: In-N-Out makes a good burger. But no burger can possibly live up to the hype surrounding In-N-Out.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/shake-shack-versus-in-n-out-faceoff-2016-9" >I tried Shake Shack and In-N-Out side by side — and it's clear which one is better</a></strong></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/in-n-out-is-overrated-2016-10#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/rise-and-fall-of-hooters-airline-myrtle-beach-bob-brooks-atlanta-airplanes-2018-2">The rise and fall of Hooters Air — the airline that lost the 'breastaurant' $40 million</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/shake-shack-versus-in-n-out-faceoff-2016-9I tried Shake Shack and In-N-Out side by side — and it's clear which one is betterhttp://www.businessinsider.com/shake-shack-versus-in-n-out-faceoff-2016-9
Fri, 30 Sep 2016 09:39:25 -0400Dennis Green
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/55e60c549dd7cc15008b77de-3264-2448/img_2734.jpg" alt="Shake Shack versus In-N-Out" data-mce-source="Dennis Green/Business Insider" /></p><p></p>
<p>The endless debate. East vs. West. In-N-Out Burger vs. Shake Shack.</p>
<p>While planning a vacation to sunny Austin, Texas, last year, I noticed something peculiar. The city has both a Shake Shack and an In-N-Out Burger within its boundaries. Truly, Austin is a <a href="http://www.keepaustinweird.com/">"weird"</a> place.</p>
<p>In fact, Austin is one of only a few cities&nbsp;where the chains coexist. Shake Shack is based in New York City and has locations primarily clustered around the Northeastern Seaboard, while In-N-Out is based in California with locations clustered around the Southwest.</p>
<p>I saw the perfect opportunity&nbsp;to settle the debate of which makes the better burger by trying&nbsp;both.</p>
<p>Keep scrolling to follow&nbsp;my burger odyssey through the scenic hills of Austin in my quest to finally put to rest the question on everyone's minds.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-many-endless-shrimp-can-you-eat-at-red-lobster-2016-9" >We went to Red Lobster for its 'Endless Shrimp' promo and stayed for 8 hours — here's what happened</a></strong></p>
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<h3>I started my burger journey at Shake Shack. Opened in May 2015, this is a relatively new location for the East Coast chain. It's in a new housing development on South Lamar Street, near all the Austin action, but not particularly close to anything exciting. An Alamo Drafthouse is its neighbor.</h3>
<img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/55e73b129dd7cc16008b79fc-400-300/i-started-my-burger-journey-at-shake-shack-opened-in-may-2015-this-is-a-relatively-new-location-for-the-east-coast-chain-its-in-a-new-housing-development-on-south-lamar-street-near-all-the-austin-action-but-not-particularly-close-to-anything-exciting-an-alamo-drafthouse-is-its-neighbor.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>Inside, the decor is modern and understated. The moss wall, hanging terrariums, and local plants offered up something interesting and green to look at while I stood in the unusually short line.</h3>
<img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/55e73b249dd7cc24008b7a88-400-300/inside-the-decor-is-modern-and-understated-the-moss-wall-hanging-terrariums-and-local-plants-offered-up-something-interesting-and-green-to-look-at-while-i-stood-in-the-unusually-short-line.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>Before I knew it I was ordering a ShackBurger and fries — my usual.</h3>
<img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/55e73b399dd7cc15008b7ba6-400-300/before-i-knew-it-i-was-ordering-a-shackburger-and-fries--my-usual.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/shake-shack-versus-in-n-out-faceoff-2016-9#/#the-total-came-to-881--a-bit-pricey-for-texas-fast-food-but-this-is-shake-shack-i-sat-down-with-my-buzzer-and-waited-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a>